Lopez Lake

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Lopez Lake is a productive birding destination in California, with 204 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Gadwall among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

Loading map...

Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

3/5/2026Blue Heron Drive (Restricted access)1 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

3/4/2026Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo1 observed

Costa's Hummingbird

Calypte costae

3/4/2026Poly Canyon1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/4/2026Santa Margarita Creek1 observed

Fox Sparrow (Sooty x Red)

Passerella iliaca

3/3/2026Damon-Garcia Sports Field1 observed

MacGillivray's Warbler

Geothlypis tolmiei

3/1/2026Bishop St1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

3/1/2026Pismo SB--Oceano Campground1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

2/28/2026Laguna Lake1 observed

Black-throated Gray Warbler

Setophaga nigrescens

2/28/2026Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

2/27/2026Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo1 observed

Vermilion Flycatcher

Pyrocephalus rubinus

2/25/2026Jack O'Connell Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cinnamon Teal

53/2/2026

Northern Shoveler

63/2/2026

Gadwall

123/2/2026

Mallard

183/2/2026

Ring-necked Duck

43/2/2026

Bufflehead

33/2/2026

Common Merganser

223/2/2026

Ruddy Duck

313/2/2026

California Quail

23/2/2026

Mourning Dove

93/2/2026

American Coot

233/2/2026

Killdeer

13/2/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

23/2/2026

Eared Grebe

23/2/2026

Western Grebe

113/2/2026

Clark's Grebe

363/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

43/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

33/2/2026

American White Pelican

93/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

93/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Lopez Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Lopez Lake for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Lopez Lake?
Notable species at Lopez Lake include Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, Ring-necked Duck. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lopez Lake?
Birding at Lopez Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lopez Lake?
Lopez Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.